Yes it is possible. The company needs to arrange this for you. However, not a lot of people do it because the drive is about an hour or so from Khafji to the nearest "populated" area worth living in (Fahaheel area).

They are now building up Khiran as a city area ( as opposed to a chalet area). There may be accom there. But I thought that workers for the oil companies could travel freely back and forth- are you working for Saudis or Kuwaitis in Khafji?

Most employees are issued a "border pass"-- you don't have to apply for a visa to cross the boarder in either direction--but you still have to present your passport along with the "pass" at the border.

However, if you want to reside in Kuwait--rent a place, etc...you will need Kuwait residency.

I will be working for the Saudi side, although I would much rather have a contract through the Kuwaiti side of the operations.

Mrs. USA in the Gulf, as you have the most experience living in Kuwait I'll direct this question to you. If my work VISA is for Saudi Arabia is it possible to get a permit to live in Kuwait. Ok, I am sure it is not the easiest of things, but is it impossible?

Your only chance is if your company has a branch in Kuwait or if they have a working relationship/agreement with a Kuwaiti company.

Kuwait work permits, or iquamas, can only be obtained through Kuwaiti companies. The goverment gives each company/organization a certain amount of iquamas depending on the size/type of business of the organization. Once an iquama is issued for you-- then you get a civil id (residency)- which you need to rent an apartment etc ....

That being said, you first step is to make your wishes known to your employer. They may have a branch/office in Kuwait or they may have contacts in Kuwait that would "set you up" with residency in Kuwait. My former neighbor was in your same situation. He wanted to live in Kuwait because he had children--the nearest English language school (besides the Indian School on the Saudi side) was in Fahaheel, Kuwait. His work permit was issued from Saudi-- I forget the name of his employer--but his company arranged for a Kuwaiti company to issue a work permit, and then residency, for himself, wife and children.

PSS-- However, plesae note, that the cost of living is cheaper on the Saudi side. The husband does the weekly food shopping, etc on the Saudi side and apartments are a bit cheaper on the Saudi side also.

Thank you for the information. I will live on the Saudi side for the first year but during that year I want to try and proceed about getting a flat in Kuwait. I know Kuwait is more expensive but as a single man with a girlfriend in Germany who is extremely upset (but wonderfully understanding) about my move it will be far easier to maintain my relationship and my very well paying job over the long run...

A lot of the places in Khafji allow people to apply for dual residency in Kuwait. They know most foreigners can't stand it there and almost everyone heads to Kuwait or the Bahrain Causeway for the weekend.

There is literally nothing to do in Khafji other than hang out at Burger King.